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PATERSON, N.J. – Organizations and municipalities throughout Passaic County were recently awarded grants to support community gardens in places such as Paterson, Passaic, Ringwood and West Milford.

The Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders awarded a $165,000 grant to City Green, Inc., a non-profit that facilitates the “Dig In!” Community Garden Program.

The program “aims to support the creation of vibrant community gardens in urban, suburban and rural areas of Passaic County for the production of healthy food, neighborhood beautification and community enhancement,” according to City’s Green’s website.

City Green then distributed grants to local non-profits and municipalities throughout the county. The recipients are:

Borough of Prospect Park

Catholic Family and Community Services

City of Passaic, Department of Parks, Rec, Cultural and Senior Affairs

Green Acre Rosa Parks and 12th Community Garden (Paterson)

Oasis: A Haven for Women and Children (Paterson)

Passaic Neighborhood Center for Women

Preakness Bible Church (Wayne)

Ringwood Community Garden

St. Peter’s Haven (Clifton)

Sustainable West Milford

“Community gardens provide an array of benefits to the local area. People have access to fresh organic produce, the gardens beautify the community, and they provide educational opportunities for our youth,” Freeholder Director Sandi Lazzara said.